Vertical laptop docks are fairly trendy these days, but the trouble with most of them is that they can get pretty expensive, with some models running up past $50. This Ikea hack may not duplicate all of the functionality of one of those docks, but some time with a wire saw and a little cable management will net you a vertical laptop dock for your laptop that matches your style.

At the heart of this trick is the $3 Ikea BRADA, which according to Jordan, who sent it in to Ikea Hackers, was the right shape for his laptop, but a little too long. He cut the whole thing in half so it wouldn't take up as much space on his desk, and then cut out a slot in the center with a keyhole saw for his laptop. It's quick and dirty, but for less than $3, it works like a charm. We'd suggest sanding down the side and the inside where your laptop will rest a little bit so it doesn't scratch your case, but aside from that, it's a great custom vertical dock for much much less than the fancier options out there. Plus, it works with any laptop, not just one with the ports in the right place. What do you think? Too college dorm chic, or a super-cheap way to personalize a workspace? Let us know in the comments below.